Anyone going to be there? Any tips for firstimer at VIR?

Pray for good weather! VIR is a great track, however grip is reduced on any track in cold weather, while engines run better with the cold air. Get an experienced instructor and take it easy initially. If the sun comes out their should be decent, well improved anyway, stick. OE tires will be better than R tires in cold conditions. Have fun and come back when it gets warmer. The PCA Zone 2 DE is in March and I think even that may be too early for VIR weather wise.

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Formerly 914Geezer

Hi Daniel,

what is happening on the 10th of Feb at VIR, I am living close. Track Day / Driver Education?

Thank's for your advise.

What he said! I was scheduled to instruct for this event (Tarheel Sports Car Club DE and Time Trial) but will be in Atlanta this week so had to cancel. Last season we got snowed out of this event - it was cold and wet the first two run groups, and they called off the whole thing Saturday at noon.

There are plenty of events at VIR throughout the year. Go to Coco's website for a full listing. Feel free to ask for me (Bill Koff) as your instructor at any of the Tarheel Sports Car Club, NASA, Mazda Drivers Assoc, Audi Club or Chin Motorsports events.

Another tip would be to get a track map and study in-car videos before you go. There's a lot to the track and if you have an idea of where it goes from the start you can focus more on driving it.

Also, if you can afford it, see if you can rent one of the trackside garages - a great alternative to paddocking out in the open for cold or inclement weather events. Two small cars can fit in one garage. While you're at it, see if they've had a cancellation for any of the lodging at VIR. There are suites above the garages, and a lodge on site. They're both well worth it, and are rented out far in advance of events. However, they do get last minute cancellations. Call Sandy or Tammy at the main VIR number.

Hi Hets, sorry for the late reply. Like SpinDoc says, it's a HPDE (Driving school). I'm guessing the spots are filled by now but you can always shoot Stacy King (zstackgo@gmail.com) an e-mail asking if there are any available spots.


Thanks for the advice again guys, hopefully I'll have the track memorized by tonight.

So how did it go Daniel? I am in FL now and not sure of the VA weather but it did not look promising in the reports I saw.

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Formerly 914Geezer

It actually turned out to be great. It was two sunny days with almost no clouds. The track was pretty cold in the morning at around 20 degrees but turned out to be alright around mid day.

I hope I can make it out for another event at VIR with Bill as my instructor so I can learn more about what the car is capable of because after driving, I feel like I'm at about 1/10th of what the car is capable of.

Glad you had a good weekend. My son was there instructing (black E30 BMW) and also said it was a good event.

I'll be instructing there 3/31-4/1 (NASA), 4/7-8 (THSCC), 6/16-17 (MDA), 9/1-2 (MDA), 11/17-18 (Audi Club), and 12/8-9 (Chin). If you'd like to get me as your instructor just request it when you register for the event. I'll look forward to seeing you on track!

Glad to hear you had a good weekend (Prayers answered re weather). It will be even better when it gets warmer. The last time I was there in October it was surprising how much less grip there was in the shady sections during the first run group for instructors. Then, once the sun was up and on all the surface things were back to normal. I hope to be there again in May.

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Formerly 914Geezer